Manchester United have made Mateus Fernandes their top target as they attempt to rebuild their midfield this summer.

United have been linked to Sandro Tonali and Aurélien Tchouaméni, but the Old Trafford hierarchy is now intensifying their efforts to sign Fernandes.

United have been in talks over a deal for the Portuguese midfielder for weeks now, but West Ham United's £85 million asking price has proved to be a major stumbling block in negotiations.

Tottenham Hotspur are also very keen on Fernandes, and various reports claim that they are prepared to outbid United. However, while Fernandes is open to moving to Spurs should they strike an agreement with West Ham, it is said his preference would be a move to Old Trafford.

After weeks of seemingly no movement, United are stepping up their pursuit of Fernandes as they look to beat Spurs in the race for the former Southampton midfielder.

According to Matteo Moretto, United have been in contact with the player in the last few hours and are willing to improve their contractual offer to convince him to move to Old Trafford.

Moretto also reports that United plans to hold direct talks with West Ham. Tottenham remain in the race and have pressed hard in recent days, but now United is trying to get ahead.

United's top midfield target going into the summer transfer window was Anderson. United never seemed to have pursued a deal seriously, though, given the fact that Anderson's preference was Manchester City, and Nottingham Forest's asking price was also an issue. 

While Anderson is an outstanding player who would have significantly improved United, City will reportedly pay Forest a fixed fee of £116 million, and the England international will earn up to £300,000-a-week, according to reports. Looking at those figures, United were right to pull out of a deal.

Tonali is another player who was reportedly very high up on United's list a few months ago. However, Newcastle are said to want £100 million for the Italy international, and his wage demands are also thought to be substantial. United are said to consider him too expensive.

While one could argue that United were right to pursue neither deal, there comes a point when you have to get deals over the line for your top targets.

United have already missed out on Anderson and likely will not sign Tonali, barring a dramatic turn of events. It is therefore essential that United sign Fernandes.

While West Ham's asking price is probably more than what Fernandes is actually worth, signing him would be a good investment. There is a difference between overpaying for a player and taking a calculated risk. Signing Fernandes for £80 million would fall into the latter category.

He is already an excellent player with two years of Premier League experience, and at only 21-years-old, he still has a few years of development ahead of him. He has everything to become one of the best midfielders in Europe.